The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi III, has passed on at the age of 83 in the late hours of Friday, according to palace officials.
He died at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, after a brief illness.
The late Alaafin’s first son, Prince Tunde, and other children had received the monarch’s remains at Idi-Igba, Oyo town early Saturday morning of April 23, 2022.
It was gathered that traditional rites had begun.
Adeyemi ruled for 52 years before his demise, making him the longest-reigning Alaafin.
By tradition, the head of the Oyomesi, Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola, would take over pending the appointment of a new Alaafin.
Basorun is also expected to brief the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, before an official announcement is made.
The late Alaafin of Oyo was from the Adeyemi branch of the Alowolodu family. He was born on October 15, 1938.
Adeyemi III was the son of Oba Adeyemi II, the former Alaafin of Oyo who was deposed and sent into exile in 1954 for having sympathy for the National Council of Nigerian Citizens.
He became the Alaafin on November 18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu. He was known popularly as Iku Baba Yeye. He was a lover of boxing.
While he reigned, he was the permanent chairperson of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
With the demise of Alaafin Adeyemi, it is now the turn of the Agunloye Ruling House to produce the next Oyo monarch.
